Bilateral serous detachment of neuroepithelium of the posterior pole disclosing acute leukemia

• Published in: Journal français d'ophtalmologie Vol. 13; no. 11-12; p. 563
• Main Authors: Riss, J M, Kaplanski, G, Righini-Chossegros, M, Harle, J R, Escoffier, P, Saracco, J B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 1990
• Subjects: Choroid - pathology; Female; Humans; Leukemia, Monocytic, Acute - complications; Middle Aged; Pigment Epithelium of Eye; Retinal Detachment - etiology; Retinal Detachment - pathology
• ISSN: 0181-5512

A 51 year-old woman presented with sudden loss of vision secondary to serous neuroretinal detachments of both maculas. Fluorescein angiography revealed multiple hyperfluorescent pin-point dots in the early phases. The areas of fluorescein hyperfluorescence became more diffuse as dye leaked into the subretinal space. The diagnostic of acute monoblastic leukemia was made. Following treatment, her vision improved. Fundus examination at that time showed resolution of the bilateral serous retinal detachment. She died one month after the onset of visual complaints and autopsy was refused. There have been 14 previous reports of acute leukemia with serous retinal detachment. In most cases, retinal detachment occurred as the presenting sign or during relapse of the systemic disease. It was often bilateral and located in the posterior pole. Histopathologic studies showed leukemic infiltration of the choroid with areas of degeneration and proliferation of the retinal pigment epithelium. Angiographic findings are similar to what is observed in choroidal ischemia. The relationships with macular serous retinal detachment and choriocapillaris occlusion are discussed.